Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Volvo XC90 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. Ever since the vehicle was purchased in November of 2018, there had been several electrical failures. The headlights, power door locks, and power rearview mirror failed to operate. Also, the transmission caused the vehicle to jerk and stall while driving. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown Volvo dealer, but they refused to provide diagnostic testing and stated that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 14,042.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
We was comming from texas visitng our family back to mississippi our tranmission starting slipping we was told that we had to have another tranmission this will make two transmisson we had to replace. In motion
While driving my 2005 Volvo XC90 (54,414 miles) on a busy california freeway (the 405), the engine stopped suddenly with no warning or warning light. Fortunately, I was able to make it over to the side of the road to call for a tow without injury (although I was almost rear ended since the failure was so sudden and without warning) and had it towed to a Volvo dealer in torrance, ca. It is a transmission problem. Since then, we have found hundreds of other consumers who have had the same problem with their XC90 volvos too. Volvo has not recalled or provided any notice to consumers of the problem. Volvo has provided replacement trades and cash to some consumers who complained, but no overall notice to consumers. We didn't find out until it happened to us and started to research. Additionally, the week before, the front left tire blew out when my wife was driving and I was out of town. …
I am the owner of a 2005 XC90 Volvo. This car only has 69,000 miles on it and the transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. My car broke down on a short road trip in the middle of no where on top of a snowy mountain. Due to the poor quality of transmission coupled with the powerful engine the transmission shredded metal that reached the radiator and other coolant departments that also now need to be replaced. The total cost of repairing the damage caused is $6,700.00. I bought this car in hopes to have a secure vehicle to drive my kids around while my husband is deployed and expected to it last at least to 100,000 miles. The car is only 4 years old and should not be needing such extensive repairs. I contacted Volvo and it is taking them a long time to get back to me. My car is sitting at a repair shop while I wait for a phone call to see if they will help cover the costs or not. …
I attempted to pass another car and the engine revved very high while the transmission was slipping and could not go into gear. This put my children and I in a very dangerous situation with oncoming traffic. Although I was able to swerve back into my own lane in time, it was a very scary 10 or 15 seconds. I have been afraid to drive it until I can get it into the repair shop, but have driven it on short trips around town. The transmission continues to slip some in normal driving. I'm taking it to Volvo service tomorrow but some quick research found that this is a very common issue with this SUV, and that Volvo is completely aware of it. In fact, the customer service person I spoke with from Volvo n.am said "it's an epidemic", and the service writer for northpoint Volvo has seen it many, many times. …
In December of 2016, at approximately 95000 mileage, the "service transmission urgent" message and light came on and the car stopped functioning and making loud clanging and rattling noises. The car was taken back to "infinity of memphis" dealership where it was purchased with an extended warranty. The dealership asked us to contact "Volvo cars of north America" for defective transmission, which we did, but Volvo refused to honor our claim stating the car was too old, even though it was under the 100000 mile warranty. The car was taken to "Volvo of memphis" dealership, which contacted Volvo manufacturer and infinity of memphis dealership, and informed us that the extended warranty would pay $5000 maximum towards a new transmission, cost of which was 8000$, and we would have to pay the rest out-of-pocket, about 3000$. …
Add me to the list of XC90 t6 owners that had to replace a defective transmission. I barely evaded a catastrophic accident when the trans failed at a busy intersection. There are thousands of posts on various forums detailing similar experiences. Volvo has done nothing to address this irrefutable problem. What is the NHTSA doing to potentially save lives? Like so many others, I have been quiet hoping that others speak up on my behalf. There are class action suits being initiated around the country. Enough is enough. Either Volvo issue a recall and correct the issue or these vehicles should be replaced. I waited two months for the last transmission that was on back-order. Hmmm, I wonder why it is on back-order? One doesn't need to be a genius to figure that out. I am 3K into the new trans and already experienced a slipped gear shift. I sense that there aren't many surprised by this. …
Yesterday, our 2005 Volvo XC90 stalled completely at around 84,000 miles and was towed for service. A diagnosis determined that the radiator leaked into the transmission causing a mechanical failure. This will likely require the replacement of the transmission and possibly the radiator. Our extended warranty will cover the cost of major components such as the transmission and radiator but will not cover the new hoses and other required accessories. The NHTSA needs to act on this soon. As a brief search of the internet will show, these problems are far too common to be considered "normal wear and tear." most failures are occurring at around 4 years of age and between 50,000-88,000 miles. The frequency of failures in this make and model at the same age/mileage are clearly a result of a design and/or manufacturing defect. …
I have had my 2005 t6 XC90 for 5 months and until today have only dealt with small issues. Today I was on the freeway and lost transmission power at 65 MPH and the event could have been catastrophic, however I was lucky enough to regain transmission control and could get to an exit and park my vehicle in a safe place to await a tow. I had no idea that the t6 was known for this type of failure with the transmission or I would never have bought it. I have two little girls and their safety was the key element in my purchasing this vehicle. All things considered, today could have been much worse but according to many accounts this isn't the first t6 to have tranny problems and it won't be the last. Until Volvo is made to acknowledge that their design was faulty other families' lives are at stake. I know my XC90 will need a new transmission, and the cost is going to be upwards of $6,000. …
Transmission complaints in other XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Volvo XC90?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Volvo XC90, 28% of the model year's 223 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Volvo XC90 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 Volvo XC90, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Volvo XC90 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.